Ancient 16th-century palace. The imposing palace was once the home of the Borghi family and took on its current late Tuscan Renaissance form perhaps in the 17th century. Tradition states that the famous ‘barter’ took place in it: it is said that Philip of Orleans, pretender to the throne of France, being in exile in Italy for political reasons and staying in Modigliana, under the pseudonym of Count of Joinville, had a daughter with his wife.
To avoid the extinction of the family in the male line, which would have jeopardised the Orleans’ succession to the French throne, the child is said to have been exchanged for the son of the jailer Chiappini, born on the same day. The child, named Maria Stella, always claimed, but in vain, her noble birth.
Opening times: Can only be visited externally.
How to get there: The Palace overlooks Piazza Pretorio.
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